PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The Faculty of Engineering at North-West University (engineering.nwu.ac.za) is a vibrant, industry-engaged academic environment focused on developing engineers who are equipped to lead in a rapidly changing world. The Faculty offers seven professional undergraduate programmes—Chemical, Electrical and Electronic, Computer and Electronic, Mechatronic, Industrial, Mechanical, and Electromechanical Engineering—all fully accredited and aligned with national priorities. Diploma and research-based variants of these programmes are also offered at postgraduate level, alongside specialised offerings in Nuclear Engineering and Sustainable Mining. The Faculty is particularly known for its integrated energy systems research, including Hydrogen (HySA), Nuclear Engineering, renewable generation, carbon-based alternatives, energy storage, automation, and smart grid optimisation. It also has strong capacity in data- and technology-integrated systems, including data science, AI and industrial automation research and programmes and Engineering Education. With strong partnerships in industry, government, and an expanding network of international collaborators, the Faculty plays a key role in advancing sustainable socio-technical solutions in South Africa and beyond.

Following a recent strategic realignment, two new Deputy Dean positions have been created to support the Faculty’s continued growth and complexity. We are now seeking to appoint a visionary academic leader to the position of Deputy Dean: Research and Innovation and Community Engagement, who will help shape the next chapter of the Faculty’s development.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategy Development.

• Co- determine faulty strategy and joint accountability for the implementation thereof
• Jointly accountable for the successful implementation of the new NWU Teaching and Learning strategy.
• Jointly accountable for successful implementation of the overall NWU strategy.
• Translate the faculty strategy into a site implementation plan and operationalise.

Operational Management.

• Lead and direct day – today operational planning, performance and quality ensuring alignment with faculty plan.
• Participate in planning with schools and the annual faculty calender.
• Oversee and manage utillisation of resources and finances as allocated by the executive Dean.
• Deputise for the Executive Dean.
• Accountable across campus as Chairperson of relevant faculty board committee(s).

Research and Innovation.

• Maintain a research environment and support infrastructure enabling world-class research.
• Implement inter-and trans-disciplinary research that differentiates the NWU nationally and internationally.
• Participate in national and international collaboration addressing NWU niche research areas.
• Continuous improvement of research outputs (quality and number) to positively impact national and international standing.
• Promote the faculty through market trends and needs identification.
• Clustering research and innovation appropriately around agreed research themes focusing on national and international imperatives.
• Coordinate fundamental research, applied research, research in application, curiosity- driven research, blue skies research and directed research
• Facilitate differentiation and third- stream revenue generation through innovation and commercialization administration.

Community Engagement.

• Drive community engagement initiatives that are integrated with research and innovation.
• Socially responsive local community projects, supportive of faculty objectives and departmental programme content.

Student Relations.

• Liaise with students and parents, build relationships and resolve escalations.
• Increase students’ identification and association with the faculty and its operation across campus.

External Relationships.

• Secure funding, professional recognition, academic development, employment, through effective local and international relationships with peers, higher education institutions, research community, industry professional bodies and community.
• In consultation with the Executive Dean, position and promote the faculty and ultimately the NWU Brand, through effective marketing and communication, relationships with local government, the community, industry, students, parents and alumni and other stakeholders.
• Promote and drive internationalisation and commercialization.

Management and Leadership.

• Faculty effectiveness and efficiency inclusive of infrastructure and facilities, schools, Programme and Research entities effectiveness joint accountability.
• Joint accountability with the leadership team for management effectiveness of the institution.
• Stakeholder relationship development and effectiveness.
• Corporate governance, conformance, reporting and risk management.
• Cost management and cost- effectiveness.
• Faculty processes and systems implementation, utilisation, effectiveness and efficiency.
• Personal effectiveness, wholeness and development.
• Values-based behavior leadership and personal compliance.

• A PhD (NQF level 10) in a relevant field.
• An NRF-rating as established researcher.
• A minimum of eight (8) years’ specialist experience in a relevant industry.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ middle management experience in a higher education context as Director/ HoD/ Academic Programme Manager/ Research Programme Manager – as appropriate for the role.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Thorough knowledge of the RSA Higher Education system.
• Well-developed information and communication technology proficiency.
• Acceptable management accountancy proficiency.
• Acceptable knowledge of approaches to student access and support and curriculum design and delivery within the applicable academic fields.
• Aptitude in managing the research- innovation value chain.

KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Competency model under development- will be added later.

REMUNERATION: The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.

ENQUIRIES REGARDING JOB CONTENT MAY BE DIRECTED TO:                Prof. L van Dyk on 018 299 1533

ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Mr. Lionel Ektseen on 018 285 2104

CLOSING DATE:                                                                                                 7 September 2025

PLANNED COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES:                                                     As soon as possible

Kindly take note: applications must be submitted online through the official nwu vacancy website. Incomplete applications and those submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

The University subscribes to and applies the principles of Employment Equity (EE) Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the EE Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If you are not contacted within two months from the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.

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